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Vandals set fire to outdoor gym in Falls Park

Damage caused to the outdoor gym in the Falls Park in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann
Damage caused to the outdoor gym in the Falls Park in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann Damage caused to the outdoor gym in the Falls Park in west Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

VANDALS have set fire to rubber flooring and equipment at an outdoor gym in the latest incident of anti-social behaviour in the Falls Park.

Arsonists destroyed part of the gym in the park, where a children's playpark was also targeted by vandals earlier this year.

In a Facebook post, the PSNI West Belfast said those involved were "only damaging your own community facilities".

"This unfortunately is a setback, as over recent months extensive work and enforcement action between ourselves and Belfast City Council has seen the amount of anti-social behaviour in the park reduce significantly."

"That this happened on a school night also causes us to again say, 'parents, do you know where your kids are?"

In July, vandals ripped up parts of a children's playpark, as up to 200 youths gathered in the Falls Park and City Cemetery.

Parts of the playpark were later used as missiles to attack police.

In April, police were forced to close the Falls Park early after a crowd of up to 150 youths gathered, with reports of pedestrians and cars on the Falls and Whiterock Roads being pelted with stones.

One social media user said: "We are sick and tired of this antisocial behaviour that goes on with zero consequences."

Another added: "It's beginning to turn back into a no go area. Huge amounts have been done to bring the park forward, but sadly it's sinking fast."

Residents living nearby have spoken of being afraid to go into the park for a walk and being threatened and verbally abused because they refused to buy alcohol for youths congregating in the area.

Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.